Inside Amaluna :: Cirque du Soleil

If you're a fan of Cirque du Soleil, you're going to want to read this. Over the weekend we went to one of Cirque's newest traveling shows, Amaluna.

The setting was out of this world. Harking back to the old days of the circus 'big top'. It was a sight to behold and one you couldn't possibly miss when driving through Atlanta's midtown.

If the bold colors of the big top don't draw you in, the story behind the show surely will. A mythical twist on a Romeo & Juliet-esque love story. And it takes place on an oceanic island.

One part Shakespeare, one part Pocahontas & John Smith, and you end up with some shipwrecked (and shirtless) men, one of whom captures the heart of the island Queen's daughter.

As with most great loves, this couple faces many obstacles; in the form of some amazing acrobatics. I mean honestly guys, I was blown away by some of these performances. It's barely fathomable that people can perform these acts let alone perform to perfection, live night after night.

The spinning, glowing 'water meteors' (more like spinning plates and spinning ladies).

It just isn't Cirque without a bit of juggling.

A balancing act that will completely blow your mind. This act alone is reason enough to see Amaluna (cities on the tour and tickets here). Simply brilliant.

An uneven bar act that will make you wonder why these gals aren't in the Olympics.

And one of my personal favorites, the teeterboard. Kind of like a seesaw with some strapping, shirtless fellas.

Amaluna, an amalgamation of mother (ama) and moon (luna), is uniquely feminine with a 70% female cast and 100% female band.

Pretty timely if you ask me. Lots of great displays of modern feminism swirling about these days. Yet another example that breaks the mold of the feminism stereotype.

It was an magnificent show and totally worth the visit. While it wasn't my favorite Cirque du Soleil show (that honor still goes to Varekai performed at Royal Albert Hall in London), it was definitely a great one.

The best part, and worst, was the seating. Being housed in a big top provides for a very intimate show. The first time I can honestly say, there seriously is not a bad seat in the house.

However, the very narrow and tightly spaced seats means you will literally be rubbing shoulders with your neighbor. Fortunately, you'll be so engrossed in the action that you'll hardly notice. A few glasses of bubbly helps too.

Have you been to Amaluna or any other Cirque show? What is your favorite?

A big thank you to Cirque du Soleil for the use of their performance photography.